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The house where the future Pope Leo XIV grew up in Dolton, Illinois, was purchased by the village, it was announced last week.
The village of Dolton paid $375,000 for the three-bedroom, one-bathroom home located at 212 East 141st Place, reported local media.
Dr. Nakita Cloud, the village spokesperson of Dolton, told OSV News that the house was not purchased under eminent domain, and that the sale had closed on July 8. The village had previously voted to attempt to buy the property.
Further, the village is "working to have the property solicited as a historical site," Cloud told the outlet, adding that doing so "provides us the opportunity to attract philanthropic and nonprofit partnerships" as well as spur community revitalization.
The childhood homes of other popes have been turned into historical sites and tourist attractions.
Aleteia reached out to Cloud for additional comment about the sale.
The house belonged to the Prevost family for about half a century, said a listing for the site.
Pope Leo XIV, the youngest of Mildred and Louis Prevost's three sons, lived there until he left home after middle school for minor seminary.
At the time of its former resident's election to the papacy, it was listed for sale after having been completely renovated.
The listing was removed shortly after the owners were made aware that their property now had considerably more historical value than they previously imagined. There were initially plans to put the house up for auction, and the town considered using eminent domain to claim the property.
